Thanks for the birthday wishes ladies - we had a great day. Went out for lunch, then to the Science Museum - DS loved the play area in the basement (water and noise - what's not to love 
) - and then a lovely stroll through Hyde Park. And we had a great party on Sunday too - it was lots of fun.
Scooby sorry that DS is waking up so early. No advice, other than that my son sometimes wakes around then but I feed him (or give him water) and cuddle him til he's sleepy then pop him back in the cot. One thing I've noticed is that changes to DS's sleep take a fair while to kick in. As in, it takes weeks to get changes solidly in place. So I guess I doubt there's a quick fix, but perhaps pick something and try it for at least 2 weeks to see what impact it has. For instance, we have one of these that we were given at Christmas. It took a solid month or so for DS to realise he could turn it on himself when he woke up and drift off again. On the winding down after work front, have you tried a relaxation CD? They can be really helpful with switching off and getting to sleep more easily.
Pixie glad that DD2 is back out of hospital and well done at the organising of the twins' party! Hope you're feeling well and happy. How many weeks are you now?
Rinders it's so sad and unfair 
. Horrible disease, taking your DH away from you and your daughters and your extended family. Nothing to say other than that I think of you and your family often.
Evitas 
at your CM. I'd really try and let her comments go, though, unless you have worries about his care in general. Sounds like the sort of thing that she'd say kind of in passing, not appreciating that you can grab onto it and keep thinking about it. I was thinking about this, now that DS is at nursery, and it made me think perhaps the CM was having a bad day herself...as in, perhaps she was tired or something, which must make dealing with several children of different ages/needs on her own, harder
(I know I find DS harder to look after if I'm tired myself). As in, she doesn't get an official break away from the kids the way the staff at DS's nursery do...
Siamese no advice on your thread, other than perhaps communication, communication, communication (lots of emails and perhaps regular meetings?). Hope the return to work was OK otherwise, will be back at work myself on 28th March.
Donttry happy st patrick's day! Not long til your DD's birthday too.
Things grand with me. Am 5+1 today and am in the midst of my early pregnancy neurosis. I had forgotten quite how stressful I find it, so am trying to keep away from MN and t'internet in general. DH was assuring me that I was just as neurotic with DS (in fact, he said I was neurotic before IVF, during IVF and for the whole pregnancy!). I'm very much at the stage where I'm counting down the days until I can get a scan and hopefully some reassurance...